Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, meet our representatives and transfer to the chosen Hotel. During the day, visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.2 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3,200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis.

Early in the morning drive to Bahir Dar via the 13th Century monastery of Debre-Libanos, an important teaching centre for the Ethiopian Orthodox church and the old cave prayer place. The monastery overlooks the Jema River Gorge, a tributary of the Blue Nile. A chance to spot some wildlife and travel on past the Blue Nile Gorge.

After an early breakfast), boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, which is dotted with some 30 islands of which 20 are home to monasteries and churches . Visit the Zega penninsula & the Monastery of Azuwa Maryam , Ura Kidane Mhiret which it is believed to date back to the 16th Century, and the island monastery of Debre Maram near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the Afternoon we visit the small town of Tiss Issat meaning ‘smoking fire’. We will Cross the Blue Nile river on a small boat which offers stunning photos  opportunities. This evening, visit Bezawit Hill to watch the amazing sunset.

This morning we will drive to north Gondar through the Guzara Castle site the ruined castle which was built before the establishment of Gondar, arriving in Gondar in time for lunch in your hotel, visit Fasiladas’ Castle compound, which covers an area of over 70,000sq m (229,659 sq ft), surrounded by high stone walls. Emperor Fasiladas’ Palace is the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the castles. It is two stories high, has an imposing parapet and four small domed towers. continue to Debre Berhan Salassie Church, probably the country’s most famous church and a highlight of Gondar. Its ceiling is covered with famous paintings of Ethiopian cherubs and the walls portray Ethiopian saints, martyrs, and lore.

After breakfast drive to Debark, the starting point for our trekking in the national park. In Debark we pay the park entrance fees and pick up the guide and scout. In the Simiens you can see the endemic Gelada or bleeding heart baboon, the Walia Ibex, the Simien wolf (the rarest canid in the world) and rock hyrax, and endemic birds such as the thick billed raven, black headed siskin, white collared pigeon, wattled ibis, white billed starling, spot breasted plover and white backed black tit.

Today, we drive to Axum through the dramatic Simien Mountains. Reaching the Limalimo terrain, you will plunge down a 2500 metre escarpment. This beautiful looping Italian built road provides memorable views, including a glimpse of the peak of Awaza near Adi Arkay. We will stop for a picnic lunch near Shire.Crossing the Tekezze River, we will arrive in Axum before dark.

Full-day tour of Axum. Discover history and myth at the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and Bath before visiting the St Mary of Zion churches, reputedly home to the Ark of the Covenant. Carry on to King Ezana’s Stone, written in three ancient languages, en route to the tombs of King Kelab and Gebre Meskel, two of Axum’s most important rulers who succeeded in bringing southern Arabia under their rule. After lunch, visit the Axum stelae field and museum. A short walk for an  excellent views of the surrounding country-side, before a private visit to a local artist who specialises in religious paintings.

Journey to a little visited but peaceful and astonishing spot ‘Yeha’ which is Ethiopia’s first known capital and considered the birth place of the country’s earliest civilization. Its ruins are impressive for their sheer age, dating from around the 5th century BC. Also the monastery of Debre Damo which is the first monastery in Ethiopia dates back to Aksumite times. It boasts the oldest standing church in the country.

In the morning, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor. Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos. Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele.

Drive to Lalibela through the rough  road but nice to experience along with the magnificent scenery.

In the morning , visit the first group of rock-hewn churche of Lalibela, Bet Medhane Alem , Bet Maryam , Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel , Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (not allowed for women). After lunch, head to the second group of rock-hewn churches which represent scenes of the heavenly Jerusalem. At last visit the cross-shaped church of St. George which is regarded to be the third group and is the last work of church excavation by King Lalibela.

After breakfast, you will set off on mule or on foot to the church of Ashetun Mariam, about a 4 hours’ round trip. An alternative to the Ashetun Mariam trip, or if visitors are not afraid of a full day it can be done in the afternoon in addition to Ashetun Mariam, visit the the church of Yimrehanne Kristos, the most famous  church outside of Lalibela, this church is built in the late -Axumite style, with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern.

In the morning, transfer to the airport in lalibela for the flight to Addis Ababa.

In the evening, there will be Grand Holidays’ complimentary farewell dinner party. This is the best way of finishiy your incredible times in Ethiopia (flight schedule permitting). At the end of the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back.